VCSEL Driver Sets Low-Power Record

Claiming a record for ultra-low power consumption, the SL82020 2-Gb/s laser driver for vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) consumes 4 mW of power in operation. Groomed for optical fiber links in mobile electronics, the multi-rate driver employs a standard CMOS process and supports data rates up to and above 2 Gb/s. It can be DC-coupled to the VCSEL to eliminate the need for any bias filters and operates over a -40°C to +100ºC temperature range. The SL82020 integrates all necessary functions on chip except for two external resistors, which define the I0 and modulation current. Upon request, the external resistors may also be integrated into the driver. SILICON LINE GMBH, Munich, Germany. +49 89 23684200.